TOP MANCHESTER business brains have thrown their considerable abilities behind the city's phenomenal renaissance led by the staging of the Commonwealth Games.

They met last night at an invitation-only event to hear how far plans have progressed to take Manchester forward in the new Millennium.

The event was orchestrated by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, Angie Robinson, who brought together leading executives with a proven track record to put the Games firmly on the business agenda locally.

She said: ''It was about starting the whole process of having a very clear understanding of the opportunities the Games will provide.

''These are people who can personally make a difference as well as act as advocates for ideas which they can pass on to others.''

Among the guests was arguably Manchester's most famous and successful lawyer, Rodger Pannone, who is also chairman of the council of Manchester University.

He said: ''Manchester is the most exciting city in Britain at the moment.

''Any new inward business could ensure success by coming now to east Manchester.''

Thriving city

Gerry Yeung, boss of the world renowned Yang Sing restaurant in Chinatown, added: ''If you look at all the building projects and the regeneration of area of Manchester you can see it is thriving.

''The Games have been a catalyst but the city has itself been proactive.''

Other business figures included the property entrepreneur Tom Bloxham, the man credited with reviving city living in Manchester with his Urban Splash loft apartments.

City council chief executive Howard Bernstein addressed the group at the Beswick Visitors' Centre in the growing shadow of the rapidly developing new stadium.

He said: ''We wanted to tell the Chamber and its wider membership exactly what was happening.

''It is important to see first hand what is going on and to develop real confidence in the regeneration of East Manchester and the renaissance of the city.''